Wednesday Practice Report

KNOXVILLE -Tennessee's football team is "close" in the words of Head Coach Phillip Fulmer. Close to making plays. Close to losing a couple of ballgames. Close to playing for an SEC Championship.

"We've got to make a couple plays downfield," Fulmer said. "We have been close."

For the most part, it looks like the Vols will be healthy come Saturday. The team expects to welcome back Cody Douglas on the offensive line.

"Cody did most of everything," Fulmer said. „He‚s still sore. He sat out the last couple periods. He looks like he'll be able to play."

Douglas, along with a couple of other lineman won praise from Fulmer for being the best run-blockers on the team.

"Rob Smith and Arron Sears are probably the best run blockers," Fulmer said. "Cody's in that group."

Conditioning wise, UT looks like they are fine. Fulmer credited that to a solid off-season regiment.

"We're in good shape," Fulmer said. "We're still strong. We've done real well from that standpoint. We're able to play more people at some positions than we have in the past."

A couple of true freshmen were also the center of attention on Wednesday. Brent Schaeffer may make a return to the field against South Carolina after not playing a down versus Alabama.

"Brent has had a very good week," Fulmer said. "He's got the right attitude to become a better player. I think he's focused on this football team being better. He kind of went in the tank the last few weeks. Before that he was great."

Arian Foster, a running back could see his first action of the year, too.
"There's a chance," Fulmer said. "We're going to decide tomorrow. If he can help our team on offense or special teams, we'll see."